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Official Description

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, preF, subunit, bivalent, for intramuscular use

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90678 refers to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, specifically the preF, subunit, bivalent formulation intended for intramuscular use. This vaccine, developed by Pfizer, is designed to provide immunization against severe respiratory illnesses caused by RSV, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as adults aged 60 and older, as well as infants through maternal immunization during pregnancy. RSV is a prevalent virus that leads to significant respiratory illness, especially during the fall and winter months when respiratory infections are most common. The vaccine leverages the crystal structure of the prefusion F protein, which is a crucial component of the viral fusion protein that RSV utilizes to invade human cells. By focusing on this specific form of the viral protein, the vaccine aims to stimulate the production of protective antibodies that effectively target RSV. The bivalent nature of this vaccine means it contains two preF proteins, enhancing the immune response against both RSV A and B strains, thereby optimizing protection. It is important to note that this code is used solely for reporting the vaccine product itself, and the administration of the vaccine via intramuscular injection should be reported separately.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (CPT® Code 90678) is indicated for the prevention of severe respiratory illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The primary populations for whom this vaccine is recommended include:

  • Adults over 60 years of age: This group is at a higher risk for severe complications from RSV infections, making vaccination crucial for their protection.
  • Infants: The vaccine is also indicated for infants, as it can be administered to pregnant mothers to provide passive immunity to their newborns, thereby protecting them from RSV during their early months of life.

2. Procedure

The administration of the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine involves several key procedural steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Before administering the vaccine, healthcare providers should conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, including any previous allergic reactions to vaccines, current health status, and any contraindications to vaccination.
  • Step 2: Preparation of the Vaccine The vaccine should be prepared according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This includes checking the expiration date, ensuring proper storage conditions, and gently mixing the vaccine if required to ensure homogeneity.
  • Step 3: Administration of the Vaccine The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm for adults and in the anterolateral thigh for infants. The injection site should be cleaned with an alcohol swab prior to administration to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 4: Post-Administration Monitoring After the vaccine is administered, the patient should be monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, such as allergic responses. This monitoring typically lasts for 15-30 minutes.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients receiving the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine includes providing information on potential side effects, which may include mild pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue. Patients should be advised to report any unusual or severe reactions to their healthcare provider. Additionally, it is important to inform patients that the vaccine does not provide immediate immunity and that they should continue to practice preventive measures against RSV, especially during peak seasons. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the patient's response to the vaccine and to discuss any further vaccinations that may be necessary.

Short Descr RSV VACC PREF BIVALENT IM
Medium Descr RSV VACCINE PREF SUBUNIT BIVALENT FOR IM USE
Long Descr Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, preF, subunit, bivalent, for intramuscular use
Status Code Non-Covered Service
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Not Billable to the MAC
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
JZ Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SK Member of high risk population (use only with codes for immunization)
SL State supplied vaccine
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Note First appearance of the removal of the FDA pending icon in codebook.
2023-05-31 Added FDA approval received.
2023-01-01 Note First appearance in codebook.
2022-07-06 Added Published on AMA website. Effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
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Description
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